YREKA – Preschool and kindergarten-age children around the county were treated to a visit and a cozy story from local officials during the fifth annual “Read Across Siskiyous” yesterday.

During “Read Across Siskiyous,” which is co-sponsored by First Five Siskiyou Children and Families Commission and all the county’s family resource centers, local officials read “Snow Friends.” The book, which explores the importance of friendships, was written by M. Christina Butler and Tina Macnaughton.

A total of 65 county pre-schools, child care centers, Head Start/Early Head Start programs, home-childcare programs, kindergarten classes, library branches and family resource centers participated. Each child got to take home a copy of the book.

“I have to say it was the highlight of my week watching the excitement of the children when they learned they would be able to take home a book,” said First Five Siskiyou Executive Director Karen Pautz, who read the book to children at Willow Creek Elementary School and a home child-care facility.

“These events and thousands of children’s books distributed throughout Siskiyou County each year are First Five’s commitment to literacy development in the early years of a child’s life,” stated Pautz. “We know from research that children become better readers and writers in school and throughout their lives when they are read to daily.” Pautz added that it is valuable for the young children to interact with influential members of the community because they are “relational beings.”

“The more opportunities they have to be around healthy, positive role models, the more they learn that people care for them and value them,” she stated.

The family resource centers also took the opportunity to educate the children about proper nutrition. The youngsters were treated to a healthy snack, courtesy of the resource centers. Many enjoyed mini bagels with cream cheese, broccoli, carrots, olives, red peppers and celery. In addition, they tasted jicama for the first time and they made candy canes with fresh bananas and strawberries.

“First Five is grateful for all the guest readers for taking the time out from their busy schedules to read to the children. It is a way of showing that they care about the importance of literacy and Siskiyou County’s youngest citizens,” said Pautz.